Ms Campbell was elected onto Kensington and Chelsea Council 11 years ago.

She said she had spent the last seven years running family and children services, and "dealing with the most disadvantaged children and families in our society in the UK".

"Whether I have been on the 21st floor of a particular tower block I don't think is relevant," she said.

"I have met families in a whole range of social rented accommodation - absolutely, of course I have."

Asked if she thought it mattered to residents if she had been inside a council tower block, she said it did matter, because "people want a leader who understands absolutely, exactly".

She went on: "Do I think it matters on another level? No, because I have got the experience and understanding."

Ms Campbell rejected claims that the community was divided between the wealthy and poor - but admitted it would take a generation for the council to regain the trust of local people.

"I don't think there is a divide between the communities," she said.

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"What I do think is there is a divide between the united community of rich and poor, and the state - and that trust in the state, whether it be central government or local government, has broken down. I think it might take a generation to repair that."

Responding to claims of social cleansing in the area over which Grenfell Tower looms, she said: "The residents of Lancaster West can stay in Lancaster West - I guarantee it will be all social housing."

The Prime Minister's official spokesman confirmed Mrs May had been inside a high-rise building.

Asked if Ms Campbell's confession raised questions over her fitness to lead the council, he said: "Our position is that having a new leader in Kensington and Chelsea provides an opportunity for change."